The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has set out 10 steps for reducing delays at UK-EU borders after Brexit. Top of the list – and described by the Association as essential – is the need to ensure that all customs and security documentation is paperless.
In practice, the FTA argues, that means not only ensuring that the new HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Customs Declaration System (CDS) can process the estimated 250 million additional declarations required, but also that traders are able to access and use it from day one.
The FTA also wants to see an approved exporter system developed, which would be recognised by the EU and which would enable authorised companies to avoid producing documents for each consignment.
Furthermore, given the need for any trader doing business outside the EU to have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number, UK businesses must be provided with them ahead of Brexit.
Pointing out that it currently takes between one and three days for HMRC to process EORI applications, the FTA is calling for the authorisation process to be speeded up.
“Trade is not something that can simply sort itself out at the last minute,” the Association’s James Hookham pointed out.
Without a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU and a new customs agreement, UK businesses face a very difficult trading environment post-Brexit, he warned.
Both the UK and EU negotiating team owe it to businesses on both sides of the Channel to find solutions now, before trade grinds to a halt, Mr Hookham concluded.
The FTA’s paper Keep Britain Trading: 10 Ways to Make Customs Borders Work After Brexit can be found at www.fta.co.uk.
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